FIFE’S COUNCILLORS claimed a total of £1.45 million in salaries and expenses during the last financial year.

The amount is an increase of £329,538 on the previous year but includes a month’s allowances paid to former councillors who stood down prior to the local government elections last May.

The region’s 78 members now receive an annual salary instead of a basic allowance, as well as telephone allowances and the reimbursement of travel expenses incurred when on official council business.

Receipted expenses reimbursed to councillors do not include the cost of council provided transport, and annual salary, basic allowance and responsibility allowances are subject to tax and national insurance.

Unsurprisingly administration leader Peter Grant received the most amount of money in 2007/08.

He claimed a total of £34,864 which included a salary of £32,082, a responsibility allowance of £1587, £400 of travel expenses and £37.69 for communication and information technology.

The second highest amount was claimed by Provost Frances Melville who received £31,314, including a salary of £24,406, a civic head remuneration of £2310, a £1587 responsibility allowance, £2894 in travel expenses and £116 for communication.

Deputy administration leader Elizabeth Riches received £27,351, while environment, enterprise and transport committee chairman Tony Martin claimed £26,917, and regulation and licensing chairman Gerry McMullan received £26,832.

Council cars complete with drivers were available for the use of all councillors for official journeys during 2007/08 at an annual cost of £20,431.

The fleet has now been cut to one car and its use is restricted to the provost.